The helicopter was destroyed at about 0538 Central time when it impacted an occupied house and terrain. Instrument conditions prevailed at the time of the accident; no flight plan was on file. The private pilot and a passenger were fatally injured; the five occupants in the house were uninjured. Earlier, witnesses reported hearing but not seeing a helicopter that sounded “really low.” Reportedly, its “engine sounded like it was at low RPMs.” The rear and lower portions of the helicopter cabin, inner portions of the fuel tanks and the transmission between the fuel tanks were deformed and melted by fire. At 0534, weather recorded nearby included wind from 360 degrees at three knots, visibility statute mile, mist, an overcast at 100 feet, temperature 17 degrees C and dew point 16 degrees C.
September 21, 2008, Kenosha, Wis., Robinson R44 II
The helicopter was destroyed at about 0538 Central time when it impacted an occupied house and terrain. Instrument conditions prevailed at the time of the accident; no flight plan was on file. The private pilot and a passenger were fatally injured; the five occupants in the house were uninjured. Earlier, witnesses reported hearing but not seeing a helicopter that sounded "really low." Reportedly, its "engine sounded like it was at low RPMs."
Key Takeaways:
- A helicopter crashed into an occupied house and terrain at 0538 Central time under instrument conditions, fatally injuring the private pilot and a passenger.
- Witnesses reported hearing the helicopter sounding "really low" with "low RPMs" prior to impact, amidst weather conditions including 1/4 mile visibility and an overcast ceiling at 100 feet.
- No flight plan was on file for the flight, and while the five occupants of the house were uninjured, the helicopter was destroyed and showed signs of fire damage.
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